Zamzam al Hadhrami has steadily established herself in the field of football refereeing, a role that requires quick decision-making, impartiality, and the ability to maintain composure under pressure. Her involvement in the sport began with a keen interest that evolved into a professional commitment, particularly in an area where female representation has historically been limited.
Al Hadhrami’s refereeing journey gained momentum in 2016 when she participated in the women’s futsal league, an experience that helped solidify her determination to advance her skills. Two years later, she took part in the Amateur World Cup qualifiers held in Muscat, gaining exposure to a more competitive and high-pressure environment. These opportunities contributed to her development as an official capable of managing the complexities of the game effectively.
Refereeing, Al Hadhrami emphasizes, goes beyond applying the rules during a match. It requires consistently making fair and timely judgments, often within moments of assessing a play. She encountered challenges entering this male-dominated field, but responded by focusing on enhancing her technical knowledge, physical conditioning, and confidence. “I had to prove myself through my work and performance, not words,” she reflected on her early experiences.
In addition to her refereeing duties, Al Hadhrami works as a certified sports trainer with Oman’s Ministry of Social Development. This role has broadened her perspective on athletic performance and the needs of participants. Through training, she has gained skills in communication, motivation, and talent development, which complement her abilities as a referee by reinforcing discipline and decision-making under pressure.
Al Hadhrami views her dual roles as mutually reinforcing, providing insight into both the official and participant sides of sport. Her training work also allows her to contribute to the nurturing of young athletes, encouraging physical activity and confidence building among children and youth.
As the presence of women in football officiating grows, Al Hadhrami believes that professionalism and consistent performance are crucial to altering traditional perceptions. She has observed increasing recognition and acceptance from players and clubs alike as women demonstrate their competence on the field.
One of her motivations remains inspiring younger generations. When girls express aspirations to become footballers, coaches, or referees, Al Hadhrami sees the power of visibility in expanding their sense of possibility. Looking ahead, she aims to advance to higher levels in refereeing, further contribute to Omani sports development, and support more opportunities for women across various sporting roles.
Her advice to young Omani women is to persist despite initial difficulties. “Do not let the difficulty of the beginning become a reason to give up. Start, learn, develop yourself and be patient with the journey,” she said.
Through her ongoing work on the pitch and in training, Zamzam al Hadhrami strives to pave the way for future female officials and athletes, demonstrating that progress begins with the courage to take the first step.